CCI Program Overview
The Community College Initiative Program provides participants from selected countries with opportunities to study at community colleges in the United States to build mutual understanding through a non-degree program of academic, vocational, and cultural studies. The CCI Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

The 2014-2015 program provides academic instruction at community colleges throughout the U.S. in the fields of agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, early childhood education, information technology, media, and tourism and hospitality management.

Participants spend one academic year in the United States. Participants may earn an academic certificate in their field of study and gain first-hand practical experience through internships in their field of study. In addition to professional training, participants develop leadership skills, build English language proficiency, and learn principles of U.S. society and culture, including community service and social responsibility. After completing the program, participants return home with enhanced mutual understanding as well as new skills and expertise to help them contribute to the economic growth and development of their countries.

Since the program’s inception in 2007, nearly 2,000 students from 15 countries have received scholarships for study at community colleges throughout the United States.

The Community College Initiative Program demonstrates U.S. commitment to increasing access to higher education for underserved international students in key regions and utilizes the unique resource represented by U.S. community colleges. The program reinforces U.S. community colleges’ efforts to deepen international education partnerships and programming.

CCI Eligibility Requirements
Candidates will be considered without respect to race, color, religion, national origin, or gender. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Competition for the Community College Initiative Program is merit-based and open to anyone who:

• Is a citizen, national or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport issued by Indonesian Government.
• Is currently residing in Indonesia.
• Is 18 years or older by the program start date.
• Has successfully earned a high school diploma.
• Has not earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study the applicant is nominated to pursue. However applicants with a Bachelor’s degree are eligible if they are applying in a field different from the field of their degree and have relevant work experience in the field for which they are applying.
• Has some academic or work experience or demonstrated rationale for selecting a particular field of study. The program aims to identify participants with proven skills or interest in the fields of study offered.
• Has basic working knowledge of English language as demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL score of 450. (Note: To pursue credit-bearing courses in an academic field of study, the applicant must meet the minimum language requirements of the host college. English language training will be necessary and is available for those who do not demonstrate this level of proficiency.)
• Has limited or no overseas study experience.
• Meets any customized requirements of AMINEF.
• Submits a complete original application.
• Is able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 visa.
• Is physically able to complete the program in its entirety.
• Is committed to returning to Indonesia after completion of the program.
• Is able to begin the academic exchange program in the U.S. in the late summer/early fall of 2014.

Please note that preference will be given to applicants with High School diploma. Applicants with D1, D2 or D3 degrees may also apply.